9 Signs You Need a Professional Roof Inspection (And Why!)
Your roof is the crown jewel of your home. It protects you and your possessions from the elements, making it an invaluable part of your house. The health of your roof should be a top priority and the best way to ensure it’s in good health is by getting a roof inspection.
No matter how old your roof is or what state it’s in, it’s always a good idea to get an annual roof inspection. This ensures that your roof isn’t harboring any unseen damage that could lead to bigger problems down the line, saving you a lot of worry and a lot of money in the long run.
Let’s take a look at the biggest benefits of getting your roof inspected and the top signs that you need a professional roof inspection sooner rather than later.
How Often Do You Need a Roof Inspection?
It’s a good rule of thumb to get your roof inspected annually. Having a professional check on your roof once a year gives you all the information you need to feel good about your roof so you can have peace of mind within your home.
Other than your annual inspection, it’s also a good idea to have a roof inspection if you notice any visible signs of damage on your roof, you’ve recently had severe weather like high winds, or you’re planning on selling your home.
Why Do You Need a Roof Inspection?
Getting a roof inspection once a year makes sense for the health of your home and the health of your wallet. Many issues can be avoided with regular inspections as problems are discovered before they get out of hand. It’s also the perfect way to figure out if your roof needs any repairs or even a full replacement.
The benefits of annual roof inspections include:
- Spotting any damage before it escalates
- Checking the quality of your roofing materials
- Ensuring everything is intact after harsh weather
- Seeing that your gutters are functioning properly
- Saving you a lot of unnecessary expenses
If you’re still unsure whether or not your home needs a roof inspection, here are 9 signs that your roof needs your attention as soon as possible.
9 Signs You Need a Roof Inspection
1. You’re Selling a House
If you’re selling your house, getting a roof inspection can drastically increase the value of your home. An inspection will either uncover damage that needs to be repaired or tell you if your roof needs to be replaced before putting your home on the market or it will prove that the roof is in good condition. After an inspection, you will have concrete evidence that the roof is not a source of problems, which gives buyers confidence.
2. You’re Buying a House
On the other hand, if you’re buying a house and no roof inspection was included, it’s a good idea to have one done as soon as possible. Moving into a new home is an exciting process but it’s also a lot of work. The last thing you want to worry about is potential damage lurking over top of you. Plus, home warranties will often cover exterior repairs within a year of purchase.
3. After High Winds or Strong Storms
Hail and strong winds are two of the most damaging things that can happen to your roof. If your area has had a bout of extreme weather, it’s a good idea to get your roof inspected within the next few weeks. Even if everything looks normal from the ground, a professional roof inspection can uncover things you never knew were there.
4. You Find Evidence of Leaks
Water stains or mold in your attic, on your ceilings, or on your walls are indicators of a leaking roof. Moisture is making its way into your home and the roof is the first place to look. While a leak may be an easy fix, a roof inspection will let you know if there is a more serious problem going on such as rotting wood or corrosion.
5. Warped Rafters in the Attic
The rafters supporting your roof should always appear straight and without water damage. They keep your roof up and any signs of warping, moisture, or damage to your rafters are signs to get a professional roof inspection right away.
6. Peeling Paint at the Roofline
While peeling paint by itself doesn’t seem like a huge issue, it can actually be a sign of something more serious going on with your roof. If the paint near your roofline is peeling, that means there is excess humidity building up due to poor ventilation of your roof and attic. A roof inspection can pinpoint these issues before they turn into something more severe.
7. Shingles Are Damaged or Missing
It’s possible that you will notice a couple of shingles from the ground that appear dingy or damaged. You might even see a few shingles missing from your roof. It’s always a good idea to get a roof inspection if you can see these things for yourself because they can be a sign that something bigger is going on.
8. Visible Damage to Roof Features
Another sign that you can see from the ground is scratching or damage to the features on your roof. Pay close attention to the bottom of your chimney and the shingles surrounding it. You may also notice problems with your flashing or loose nailsor fasteners. All of these are good indicators that you need your roof inspected.
9. It’s Been at Least a Year
You may not think you need another roof inspection because you had one recently. But if it’s been more than a year since your last inspection, it’s time to get another one. Annual roof inspections ensure you’re not missing anything that may have developed within the last year that could turn into greater problems for you down the road.
Professional Roof Inspection Makes the Difference
There is only so much you can see of your roof from the ground. Even if it looks okay to you, there might be something you’re unaware of waiting to be found among the shingles. Getting a professional roof inspection is the best way to ensure to see small repairs before they become something much bigger and ensure the health of your roof.
If you’re ready to check on the state of your roof, contact DeG Contracting to get started today!
